Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-07-01
The Fpyptian Problem

The Egyptian problem has again come
into prominence, owing to the attitude
France and Russia are said to have assumed
touching the convention between England
and Turkey. The clause in that conven.
tion to which the two first named great
Powers object provides that England shall
withdraw her troops from Egypt within
three years time, with The right OF re-
occupation under certain circumstances.
Continental Irritation over England's dis
position to retain her grip on Egypt is no
new thing, especially with France. In one
fgfm or another, on various occasions since
Admiral SEYMOUR eyaded the "self-deign-
ing PROTOCOL" France has protested that
the status quo ante should be reestab-
Ished, only to be met by qualified
promise to that effect on the part
OF the British Government. In Novem.
Der, 1886, NJ. FREYcINET, speaking in the
French Chamber Of Deputies, forcibly de-
fined Frances fear in the premises and N a
measure foresbadowed that when what she
considered an opportune moment came she
would take Just such positive action as she
IS now reported to have taken In coniunc-
ton with Russia. Among other things, he
said: .'Tbe master OF Egypt is the master
OF the Mediterranean. II great Power
settles there in permanent way great
blow will be dealt to France In the Medl-
terranean. France cannot grow accustom-
ed to the idea that Egypt should pass deli
niteIy into the hands Of a great European
Power. We have several times opened
negotiations with England; We have taken
care TO conduct them with the frmness
appropriatc 10 our interests, and the
respect due TO a great Power whose
lust susceptibilities should not be.
wounded In the same month and
wear SALISBURY, In a speech at the Lord
Mayors banquet said "The different
Cabinets have all considered that our so
iourn in Egypt should not continue
except for limited time-only 1t is not
question Of q limit OF time, but limit TO
be marked by the achievement OF the work
undertaken" And what was the work
undertaken England has always thrust
forward the immediate British financial in
terests in Egypt as her justification for the
continued occupation Of that country.
That these interests are great cannot be
denied, but coupled with them Is a still
greater interest Ii has been well said that
the main object on the part OF the British
Government Of the Egyptian expedition
OF 1852 was TO "alter the status quo Of
the suez canal by definite assertion Of the
paramount interests Of England before
Europe, and the assumption Of priority
and predominance In Egypt, which will
nreyent any hostile Power from ever using
its Government TO politically harrass Eng
land or belligerently menace the connec-
ton with India from Egyptian soil. >
There were various important pecuniary
and commercial interests which, though
seen to baye been operative In the train OF
events through which Great Britain 'irifted
INTO the war; were not acknowledged as
motives, except two or three OF them
in 4 secondary degree" Ia short the
wharf.-the Intervention 10 put down
Arabs rebellion-wss another move
in the matter Of acquiring the mastersbIp Of
the Mediterranean. This France under.
stands, and this Is Shown by both the saw.
ing condition IN the obnoxious clause 10
The convention between England and Tur.
KEY and By the saving words in the extract
quoted above from salIsbury's speech. Nor
Il that all. We can safely say that the whole
History Of British oscupstion Of Egypt, as
well . The present "situstion,y justices
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